Dublin Airport has opened its first AI-operated store, located at terminal one arrivals gate, offering a frictionless, checkout-free experience.
Shoppers scan their payment card at the entrance, and AI technology, including cameras and weight sensors, detects their purchases and charges the scanned card accordingly.
The store, called “Dublin Town To Go,” is a cashless concept offering a range of products, from coffee and pastries to cereal, milk, and toiletries.
Graeme McQueen, Media Relations Manager at DAA said. “It’s perfect for those working or arriving into Dublin Airport late at night. So far it’s proving particularly popular with passengers arriving into Dublin who don’t speak English, and also with those who want to quickly grab a sandwich or drink after they land and don’t have time to queue.”
The venture is a partnership with international food operator SSP, which operates numerous food and drinks outlets at the airport.
The store operates 24 hours a day and has been popular, especially among non-English speaking passengers arriving at night or those with limited time to queue for a quick purchase.
While the store lacks staff, Dublin Airport emphasizes that AI and automation are already present throughout the airport, enhancing efficiency and convenience.
Similar AI-operated stores have opened in Britain and the US, with Amazon opening its first checkout-free store in London in 2021, though it later announced the closure of some of its London shops earlier this year.
